What is an MPV?

An MPV is a type of car that’s designed to be able to carry lots of people, lots of luggage or a mix of the two. MPV stands for ‘multi-purpose vehicle’, a term that reflects their versatile interior layout. 

MPVs generally have a taller, boxier, more ‘van-like’ shape than a regular hatchback or saloon. They can have anything between five and nine seats and most have second- and third-row seats that can be folded away or removed to create more load space when needed.

What does MPV mean?

The term ‘MPV’ has been around since the mid-80s, when it was used to describe new models such as the Renault Espace. Although lots of vehicles capable of carrying large numbers of people had been produced before, the MPV was different because it was more likely to be based on a car than a van. It also featured a more versatile interior, with seats that could be folded or removed to suit different needs. 

This new type of car became more common throughout the 80s and gained great popularity in the 1990s and 2000s, with many car brands introducing seven- or eight-seater MPVs, as well as smaller five-seat models.

What’s the difference between an MPV and a people carrier?

There’s no difference between an MPV and a people carrier – they’re just different terms for the same thing. ‘People carrier’ is a less common term that was more popular in the early days of the MPV – over time ‘MPV’ has become more widely used. 

In the US, incidentally, MVPs are referred to as ‘minivans’, even if they’re more closely related to regular hatchbacks or saloons.

What’s the difference between an MPV and an SUV?

Although some SUVs offer seven seats and versatile interior layouts there are key differences between an MPV and SUV. Most notable is that SUVS sit higher off the ground than other types of car, whereas MPVs have similar ‘ground clearance’ to a hatchback or saloon. 

MPVs often have a distinctive ‘monobox’ shape to give maximum interior space, too. A mono-what, we hear you ask? Well, it’s just a fancy name for a ‘one-box’ shape, where the car’s bonnet and windscreen follow more or less the same line. SUVs generally have a ‘two-box’ shape where the bonnet juts out below the windscreen. MPVs are also far less likely to have four-wheel drive than an SUV.

Do all MPVs have seven seats?

Not all MPVs have seven seats, although it’s the most common format for modern MPVs. In a seven-seat MPV the seats are generally arranged in three rows in a 2-3-2 formation (front to back). The second-row seats often slide back and forth to allow you to create extra legroom for those in the third row, or extend the boot space if the third-row seats have been folded and removed.  

Although many MPVs are seven-seaters, some are available with different formats and some even offer a choice of seating capacity and layout. Five-seat, six-seat, eight-seat and nine-seat MPVs are available, with layouts including 2-3, 3-3, 2-2-2, 2-3-3 and 3-3-3. Some MPVs have a focus on luxury, offering fewer seats with more space around them and, in some cases, the option of rear-facing second-row seats.

Which MPVs have five seats?

Five-seat MPVs gained popularity in the nineties and noughties, but aren’t as popular today. Some brands do still sell five-seat MPVs, with current examples including the BMW Active Tourer, Citroen Berlingo M, Mercedes-Benz B-Class and Volkswagen Golf SV.  

In their heyday many brands offered five-seat MPVs, with examples including the Citroen C4 Picasso, Ford C-Max and Renault Scenic.

Are all MPVs large?

MPVs are usually taller than a hatchback to provide a higher seating position and extra space inside, but not all MPVs are large. Five-seat MPVs are often little longer or wider than an equivalent hatchback, with the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer a good example. Although it’s almost 12cm taller than the 1 Series hatchback it shares many parts with, it’s just 2.5cm (an inch) longer, with similar extra width. 

Seven-seat MPVs tend to be longer than five-seat examples to accommodate a third row of seats, but some aren’t especially long overall. The Volkswagen Touran, for example, has seven seats but is only 14.5cm longer than a Ford Focus – that’s about the same length as a standard iPhone.  

There have been some very small five-seat MPVs (sometimes called ‘mini MPvs’) over the years, with examples including the Citroen C3 Picasso, Fiat 500L, Ford B-Max and Vauxhall Meriva – these are not much longer than a compact hatchback such as the Ford Fiesta.

Are MPVs good family cars?

MPVs make great family cars, and not just because of their extra seats and additional interior space. Most MPVs have a raised seating position and large door openings that make it easier to get kids and child seats in and out. Some also have sliding rear side doors that can be very helpful if you’re trying to get people in or out of the back seats in a tight parking space. 

Being able to remove the rear seats or fold them away individually allows you to carry longer loads such as a bicycle or sporting equipment while still carrying three or more passengers – perfect for trips to the beach or a local park with the kids. MPVs tend to have more Isofix child seat mountings than many other types of car, too, with most featuring three across the second row of seats. 

On top of all that, MPVs generally have large windows that give children a good view out and create a light, airy feel on board. Many also have fold-out tables, extra storage features and extra connection points for devices in the back – all of which can make long journeys more comfortable.

Are there any electric MPVs?

There are more electric MPVs than you might think and more are likely to be introduced as the market for electric cars expands. Electric MPVs that you can buy today include the Citroen e-Berlingo, Peugeot e-Rifter and Vauxhall Combo Life Electric, Toyota Proace Verso Electric, Vauxhall Combo Life Electric, Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric and Volkswagen ID.Buzz.

Are there any luxury MPVs?

A few MPVs have a focus on luxury rather than outright capacity, offering a smaller number of seats but with each one having more space around it. Each seat is usually larger and plusher than in a family-focused MPV, and can sometimes be swivelled around. 

This type of MPV is usually used as limousines or high-end taxis and can often be seen transporting politicians or celebrities to VIP events. Examples of this type of luxury MPV include the Lexus LM and high-end versions of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class.

What are the advantages of an MPV?

MPVs have some unique qualities that could make one a good choice as your next car. Some of the advantages of an MPV are:

• More interior space – and seats – than most other car types
• Versatile interior layout allows for a mix of people and luggage
• Large windows give a good view out and an airy feel inside
• Generally a lower-cost option than an SUV

What are the disadvantages of an MPV?

MPVs are practical and versatile, as we’ve seen, but they do have some downsides. Some of the disadvantages of an MPV are:

• Less fuel-efficient than an equivalent hatchback
• Limited range of models to choose from
• Not as fashionable as an SUV, so can depreciate faster
• Larger MPVs can feel a bit cumbersome to drive